Imagine What Two Old Cowboys Might Discuss After Working Together For Many Years...
One Cowboy turned to another...paused...then reached for a new pinch of snuff...
Then said, "I tell you, my friend...of all the places I've been...there's places I ain't ever been enough."
The other Cowboy stopped what he was doing...to give his friend an ear...
He wondered at what his friend had to say...'Cause he only talks a few times each year.
"Go on...?" said the one Cowboy who was now waiting in suspense...
He waited for his friend's refrain...up on his horse...Miles from the ranch...or any fence.
"I haven't been on the Southside of that Mountain over yonder...enough...at dawn,
I haven't woken enough times beside the woman I love...to kiss her with her first morning stretch and yawn.
I haven't stood beside my kids long enough...to watch each smile on their face...
I haven't spent enough time in my favorite rocking chair...sitting by the fireplace.
I haven't been out in the back pasture enough...on a starlit night...
And I haven't stood standing in my own boots...enough times...when I should've stood-up more for what's right."
The Second Cowboy leaned back in the stirrups...after listening to his friend...
And noticed that the other Cowboy had stopped talking...once again.
He took a minute to think on these humble words...stated without any "bridled-up" pride...
He knew this honorable man...he had worked the trails with so many years...was (*) all wool and a yard wide.
"What makes you say all these things...?" He replied back, dumfounded and amazed...
Then said, "I ain't ever heard you talk that much in one sittin'...in all my born days."
The Other replied: "I was just thinkin' about all the time...I've spent working the trail...Along side of you,
And...All the countless time spent staring at the backside of cattle...Not the greatest view.
Been saddling up and riding out here...day after day,
Happy to be working for a living...Happy to earn my pay.
But Just Now...It occurred to me...I've spent more time out on the job...then at home with my wife...
Nothing personal...but after all these years...I want a refund back...for time spent missin' out on life!
You're a mighty fine Ranch Foreman...Now don't get me wrong...
But compared to my beautiful wife...You're 'bout as ugly...as a day is long.
And even though...I like it here...I can't imagine workin' for any one 'other,
I have spent more time workin' beside you...then I've spent gettin' to know my own brother !"
The Second Cowboy sat back in the saddle...after listening to his friend...
And noticed that the other Cowboy had stopped talking...yet again.
The Second Cowboy was taken back by all his friend had to say...
He had never thought this man had ever shown himself to be weak...in any way.
Then he said, "I can't believe the only things you have to say...After all this time...
You finally say something that makes a little sense...Then use it as a chance to whine !"
"The other Cowboy stopped what he was doing...to give his friend an ear... He wondered at what his friend had to say...'Cause he only talks a few times each year." Above Image Found At: (In front of Bank of Western Oklahoma in Elk City, OK.)
Note:
Copyright © 2011 All Rights Reserved For: "Life on the Range" A Discussion Between Two Working Cowboys.
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